It appears that a civilization, like any other living thing in
evolution, retains the shrunken vestiges of once-vital organs which no
longer serve much real purpose, and only cause trouble if they try to.
Take for example, in 20th Century U.S. civilization, the father of a
bride. Take specifically Mr. Stanley Banks of 24 Maple Drive, Fairview
Manor, a vestigial organ in a perfect state of preservation.

Mr. Banks, and how he became a remnant of his former self during the
months just before his daughter's marriage,...